Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Joni Sensel is the author of several books for young readers and is currently co-Regional Advisor for SCBWI Western Washington. She lives in the foothills of Mt. Rainier with two goofy dogs.

I'm a fan of Joni's books and think everyone should read them, of course. But I also appreciate the enthusiasm and hard work she (alongside the lovely, Laurie Thompson) puts into making SCBWI Western Washington a fabulous chapter to be a part of. Thank you, Joni.

On Writing:

Favorite thing about writing a first draft:

I love falling into a story and letting it sweep me along like a river, with little idea what’s around the next bend, and that’s what most first drafts are like for me. Revisions are much more like swimming upstream!

Best thing about writing for kids/teen:

You know, I realize this is not a very PC attitude, but I write for readers. I don’t care how old they are, and I don’t think it matters overly. The opportunity to write a book that somebody might remember for years, or that in some way guides a life, as a few books have guided mine, is exciting and humbling. That opportunity is probably still more open for more young readers than older ones, but I don’t think it’s exclusive to them. It IS fun, though, that younger readers are still willing to fall hopelessly in love with and be possessed by a story in a way that fewer adults do. I’m aiming for that.

Favorite word?:

Something the earth whispers to me when I’m outside. It’s loudest in the desert, but it’s also clear at the ocean, alongside the river, in the woods, and in the wind. It’s hard to translate to English, but I think it’s something like “eternal.”

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

I met Pam Withers through SCBWI last year and am encouraged by her enthusiasm and passion for writing. If you haven't already, I recommend checking out her high action books for teens. And keep an eye out for her new series coming out in the Spring of 2011!

On Writing:

Favorite thing about writing a first draft:If I've been gathering information and thoughts and plotlines and character sketches for weeks or months beforehand, it's like a giant, satisfying release to just sit down and let all that spill out, to enjoy the actual writing as a reward for the hard work of preparing for the writing.

Best thing about writing for kids and/or teens:Knowing that I'm encouraging them to read. And getting invited to schools to do presentations about my work.

One word that describes your path to publication:Niche. (Writing adventure for boys seemed to be the key.)

If I could have two dream careers, I?d be an author and a:psychologist (Authors have to get into all the characters' heads. Shrinks also have to get into people's heads.)

On Life:

If I could snap my fingers and solve one of the problems here onearth, it would be:More support for at-risk children and their parents.

Best thing about being a child:Being able to daydream.

Worst thing about being a child:Being talked down to and bullied.

Best thing about being a teenager:Summer camp.

Worst thing about being a teenager:Not having the nerve to talk to members of the opposite sex.

Most memorable teen moment:Getting an A-plus in English class for my essay on "How to get the car off your dad to go joy-riding," only to learn that the teacher mentioned it to my father!

A quote I live by:Life is either a daring adventure or it is nothing!- Helen Keller

My dream vacation:Cabin in the woods.

In My Perfect World:

Everyone would get sufficient time with their parents at least once aweek. There would be an abundance of joy and fun. No one would be deprived of positive role models or respect. Every child would have a loving parent or guardian. No one would ever lack good books or the motivation to read them, and they'd be free for everyone.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Three years ago I attended my first SCBWI meeting and met Judy Enderle for the first time. I had just started writing my first novel and was bursting with a mixture of wild enthusiasm and naïveté. Judy doesn't know this, but she was the first author I ever spoke to and I was in awe, hanging on her every word. When I asked her for advice she said, "Get involved with SCBWI. Volunteer." So I did. And many wonderful things have happened as a result. It is my privilege to share this interview with Judy.

On Writing:

Favorite thing about writing a first draft: Spilling the words on paper and seeing the characters come alive. Also love the surprises those characters spring.

Best thing about writing for kids and/or teens: All of the people involved: industry folk, other writers, book sellers, librarians, and especially fabulous readers.

Favorite word?: I love them all (even the profane ones) and enjoy discovering and inventing new words. I'm a crossword puzzle fiend.

One word that describes your path to publication: believe

If I could have two dream careers, I’d be an author and a: landscape architect

On Life:

If I could snap my fingers and solve one of the problems here onearth, it would be: War would be history.

One question I wish I had a definitive answer to: Why just one?

Best thing about being a child: Discovering everything!

Worst thing about being a child: Lacking the ability or the power to do everything you want to do.

Best thing about being a teenager: Connecting with friends and the possibilities for the future.

Worst thing about being a teenager: Realizing you have a lot of decisions to make.

Most memorable teen moment: Driver's training where I was one of two girls in the class and I met my first boyfriend. (And yes I wrote about it.)

A quote I live by: It doesn't cost anything to be nice. (And I don't know who said it.)